Vripack reteamed with a Canadian yachtsman to design the rugged beauty you see here, Beothuk, which launched in late summer. Built by Kuipers Woudsend, the 102-footer is part of the Doggersbank Offshore series that Vripack introduced a few years ago.
Even with this repeat performance, Beothuk represents a few first. She’s reportedly the first megayacht to be fully equipped with LED lights–not a halogen bulb to be found anywhere. Each light–more than 500 of them, from OceanLED–can be dimmed or turned on and off remotely. LEDs require less power and don’t get as hot as halogens do, which Vripack says should additionally result in less air-conditioning usage aboard.
Another departure Beothuk represents: She’s built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. It’s rare to find a yacht constructed of anything other than fiberglass in this size range. Vripack’s Doggersbank Offshore series is characterized by a sturdy, salty air, so the change of pace fits. Vripack additionally didn’t want the yacht to appear too much like a classic cruiser, so stainless steel is used prominently aboard to heighten the brawny appeal. Oval handrails are made of the material, as are the inlays around the bar.
A third notable difference: The owner intends to maintain the yacht himself. He therefore requested a seawater-cooled engine room where everything ranging from pumps to the sewage-treatment system would be easily reachable and serviceable. The 13- by 13-foot room also, of course, houses the twin 600-hp Caterpillars, which reportedly permit a 10-knot cruise and 12-knot top end. At her cruise speed Beothuk should be capable of a 4,000-nautical-mile range.
While I won’t be able to put that performance to the test, I do plan to get a good look at Beothuk next week, since she’ll be on display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. I’m looking forward to seeing the crew accommodations, which are said to be finished to the same standard as the owner’s stateroom, and how the dining room, positioned forward on the main deck, permits incredible views due to wrap-around windows. Stay tuned.
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